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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on August 1, 2024
Sri Lanka is witnessing a significant rise in both local and foreign tourists visiting its nature reserves in 2024. Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Wildlife, Forest Resources Conservation, and Irrigation, announced at a recent press conference that tourist numbers have substantially increased compared to the past two years.
In 2022, the country saw 289,405 tourists visiting forest conservation sites. This number rose to 444,053 in 2023. As of mid-2024, 364,521 tourists have already visited these destinations, indicating a promising trend for the rest of the year. Notably, the proportion of foreign tourists has increased from 19.8% in 2022 to 40% so far in 2024.
To enhance the tourist experience, new facilities have been introduced. The government has established dedicated sanitary facilities for foreign passport holders at popular tourist spots. Additionally, an online ticket reservation system has been implemented for major national parks, including Yala, Udawalawe, Horton Plains, Kaudulla, Minneriya, and Wilpattu.
The influx of tourists has been significant, with about 1.1 million foreign visitors arriving in Sri Lanka by mid-July. If this trend continues, the country is set to record its highest number of foreign tourist arrivals in a single year by the end of 2024.
Wanniarachchi emphasized the country's efforts to improve the eco-tourism sector by implementing various measures and legal amendments. These initiatives aim to attract more tourists and boost the economy through foreign exchange.
Sri Lanka’s dedication to eco-tourism is evident in its recent developments. The 2,500-hectare Gal Oya National Park opened to the public in 2023, and new tourist facilities have been established in several other parks and forest reserves. The country has also received international recognition for its efforts in mangrove restoration, planting 326 hectares of mangroves over the past two years.
Furthermore, the Department of National Zoological Gardens, despite economic challenges, reported significant revenue growth, reaching Rs.728.60 million by mid-2024. The State Timber Corporation is also expected to record a net profit, with Rs.2,000 million in revenue so far this year.
Efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with elephants, have shown positive results. Measures such as maintaining electric fences and amending wildlife protection laws have helped reduce incidents and plan for a comprehensive elephant population survey.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on May 9, 2025
As part of Operation Sindoor, commercial flights have been suspended at 27 airports across north, west, and central India. The move has led to widespread disruptions in air travel, with over 430 flights cancelled across carriers like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.
To ensure safety, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued new advisories mandating heightened airport security across the country. All passengers are now required to undergo Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), and visitor access to airport terminals has been suspended until further notice.
Aviation authorities have also instructed airports to ensure that all CCTV systems are fully functional and have directed the deployment of air marshals based on priority and random selection.
Airlines have issued urgent travel advisories.
Air India posted: Passengers are advised to arrive at airports at least 3 hours before departure.
SpiceJet posted: Check-in closes 75 minutes prior to flight. and Akasa Air urging passengers early arrival and limiting cabin baggage to one handbag up to 7 kg.
All passengers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry.
List of Airports Closed under Operation Sindoor:
Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar (Rajkot), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj.
According to flight tracking services like Flightradar24, the airspace over India’s western corridor from Kashmir to Gujarat, currently shows minimal civilian air traffic, highlighting the scale of the shutdown. Airports are expected to resume commercial operations by 5:29 AM on Saturday, May 10, but travelers are urged to stay updated through airline channels.
Passengers are strongly advised to recheck flight schedules, plan ahead, and cooperate with the enhanced security procedures to ensure smooth transit during this sensitive period.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on May 7, 2025
In a time where celebrations are becoming more meaningful and curated, Indian couples are making a clear choice: Destination weddings. Through the lens of Mr. Dilbir Sahni—affectionately known in the industry as Bob—this evolving trend comes to life. As the founder of IndoBangkok, a company at the forefront of luxury events and weddings in Thailand, Bob shares insights shaped by two decades of experience creating unforgettable moments for Indian families.
Once considered aspirational, destination weddings are now a conscious decision. The trend is catching on fast—up from 18% in 2022 to 26% in 2024. And leading this dreamy escape? Thailand.
Gone are the days of crowded banquet halls and logistical juggling. Today’s couples are opting for intimate beachfront vows, hilltop pheras, and royal-themed parties at luxury resorts. Thailand, with its postcard-perfect landscapes, warm hospitality, and ease of planning, offers a spectacular stage for love stories to unfold.
So what’s fueling this shift? It’s about simplifying the complex. Destination weddings allow couples to focus on what really matters: spending meaningful time with loved ones. With everyone gathered in one location, the chaos of multiple venues fades away, replaced by a relaxed, immersive vibe.
And it’s not just better for the couple—it’s a win for guests too. Think of it as a wedding with built-in vacation vibes. Guests enjoy quality time, beautiful settings, and great food—all while creating memories that go far beyond the ceremony.
The impact is showing in travel numbers. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 2.1 million Indian tourists, many attending weddings. The message is clear: this is not just a trend—it’s a movement.
Thailand has become the ultimate canvas for Indian weddings. Whether it’s a sunset beach affair, a jungle-meets-ceremony celebration in Chiang Mai, or a royal-style event in a palace-like resort, Thailand offers variety without overwhelming complexity.
Short flights, simple visa processes, and English-speaking staff ease the journey. Add to that a robust network of Indian planners, chefs who know their dal makhani from their dal tadka, and venues that are nothing short of magical—and you’ve got a celebration that feels both familiar and fresh.
Best of all? The country offers five-star luxury at surprisingly affordable prices, making premium experiences accessible for a broader range of families.
Weddings are no longer just personal milestones. They’re catalysts for economic and cultural exchange. Each wedding brings life to a destination—boosting tourism, creating local jobs, and reviving small businesses. In many ways, these celebrations are a new kind of travel, one rooted in love, community, and shared joy.
Thailand isn’t just a backdrop—it’s becoming an integral part of Indian wedding stories. With its blend of beauty, accessibility, and cultural understanding, it’s no surprise that Thailand is emerging as India’s favourite wedding playground.
Because at the heart of every great wedding is a story worth travelling for.
Several airports across northern India were temporarily shut down this morning as India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, conducting targeted military strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Srinagar airport was among the first to suspend operations, confirmed airport officials. Alongside Srinagar, other impacted airports included Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Dharamshala, as mentioned in a post by SpiceJet on X.
Air India announced that all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot would remain cancelled until 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, IndiGo stated that its Bikaner operations were also affected by the disruptions.
Airlines took to social media to alert passengers about potential delays and cancellations, urging them to check their flight status and plan their travel accordingly.
Flight tracking platforms showed no commercial flights operating north of New Delhi, reflecting the scale of the airspace shutdown. This situation will affect domestic air traffic in the northern part of India.
Further updates are expected in the coming hours.
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